"The Impact of 'Eldest Daughter Syndrome' on First-Born Girls with a Specific Type of Mother: Study Findings"

UCLA researchers have found that "eldest daughter syndrome" may be related to a mother's depression, stress, and anxiety during pregnancy, leading to first-born daughters taking on more responsibilities and maturing earlier to help care for their siblings. A 15-year longitudinal study of 253 mother-child pairs revealed a correlation between high levels of prenatal stress and early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters. The study emphasizes the lifelong impacts of prenatal emotional and environmental factors on women and their offspring, highlighting the need for greater access to healthcare and well-being for pregnant mothers.